Hello friends,
A little late for this! Sorry about that. October was a very stressful month. My mom was in and out of the hospital for about half the month. I am the closest family member, so I was the point person for that. I am finally catching up on things and trying to get back to a routine. I did not get to read as much as I wanted in October. I only read four books for my spooky reading challenge even though I had five planned. I did a couple more things, and here is what I did.
What I Read
Play Nice by Rachel Harrison
Genre: Horror
Rating: 3/5
A dead mom and an inherited house, but is the house possessed like their mom believed? Follow Clio as she remodels and learns more about her childhood.
This book fell flat for me. There wasn’t enough about the house and the possession with the being. It was more about family dynamics than the house. It was fine, but not what I was wanting.
If you like some creepy vibes, interesting family dynamics, and an unreliable narrator, this book is for you.
Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey
Genre: Horror
Rating: 3/5
Vera is asked to come home to sort out the house as her mother is dying. But she will have to contend with what happened with her serial killer father, and what she did and saw.
This book was also a disappointment for me. A serial killer’s house that could be haunted sounded so good. But it again was more about the family dynamics and the past and not what was happening. Finding out what was haunting was not what I was expecting but not in a good way. Overall, also a flat book for me and not that scary.
If you like dual timelines, odd people, and questionable decisions, this is for you.
What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher
Genre: Horror
Rating: 5/5
Alex Easton is returning home. But when they get there, they find a dead caretaker and people not wanting to talk about it. But is there something haunting their property? And will it take another life?
This was such a good book. It was a great sequel, but also could be a bit of a stand alone. It was creepy and just what I wanted in an October book.
If you like short stories, unsettling dreams, and a little mystery this book is for you.
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Genre: Horror
Rating: 4/5
Louise returns home after her parents died in a car accident. When she gets there she has to deal with her brother, and now her past. But something is in the house, and possibly making her mom’s puppets come alive. Will Louise and her brother survive this?
This was what I was wanting from a haunted house book. The dolls and puppets coming alive were creepy and gave me the chills. The story was interesting and well done. The ending was interesting, not sure if I would have gone there but it was a good way of ending it.
If you like to be freaked out, sibling dynamics, and don’t mind puppets, this book is for you.
What I Watched
The Addams Family (1991)
Genre: Dark Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Streaming: Paramount+
This is my favorite version of the Addams Family. I love the actors for every character and think they did an amazing job. It is a fun and silly movie that makes me happy.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Rating: PG
Streaming: Disney+
Every Halloween I watch Hocus Pocus. It is my favorite spooky season movie to watch. It is silly, fun, and while a bit cringe at times, a great time of a movie.
Only Murders in the Building Season 5
Genre: Murder Mystery
Rating: TV-MA
Streaming: Hulu
I finished the new season and it was so amazing! I loved it! The ending was WOW! I am excited for next season and what it will bring.
What I Did
Mystique Market at Sacramento Historic City Cemetery
A witchy market took place in a cemetery and I loved it! If you have seen any of my notes or posts on Instagram for the Dark Goddesses Oracle Deck I got that here. I also got a mug with some bats on it and a mug shaped like a coffin. It was a nice day with a lot of cool vendors.
Local Street Fair
The first Sunday of October is my local street fair! It is my favorite event of the year, though it also does happen in May. My best friend came over and went with me. It’s fun to walk around and see all of the vendors and find new things to buy. My friend even had her popup bookshop there!
Baked Pumpkin Bread
One thing I wanted to do this fall was bake pumpkin bread, and I did! It was delicious and I was able to share it with my coworkers and a friend of my dads. It turned out pretty good and I can’t wait to bake some more!
Bookshop Popup
My friend had her bookshop pop up at a winery as part of a market event. It was fun to see them still growing. I also got some delicious cookies.
Book Clubs
Of course the month wouldn’t be a fun month without my book clubs. We had our silent book club which was a lot of fun. It was at a coffee shop I hadn’t been to yet. It was delicious and such a nice day.
We had my online one (technically November 1), and it was great to chat about books. But also just to chat!
Dinner with a Friend
My friend and I have been trying to have lunch together each month. We went to a favorite place of mine. We had some good drinks and delicious pizza.
Facial
I love my esthetician! She is amazing. She is sweet, caring, and so good at her job. She even gave me a discount for my birthday! I love seeing her and my face looks and feels amazing. I even did my first peel.
That was my October and while stressed I had some good moments as well. Here is hoping November is a better month!
Until next time friends,
🧡 Jacquelyn